Breckenridge Texan

It’s looking like it could be a cold and rainy day and night for the trick-or-treaters this Halloween. According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance of rain and/or thunderstorms all day, and the high is supposed to be only around 50 degrees.

Keep reading below for the weather forecast and some tips for parents and kids to follow this Halloween. And, for a list of events and activities planned for tonight around Breckenridge, click here.

Specifically, the NWS forecast says:

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m.. Increasing clouds, with a high near 50. North northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight, a 30 percent chance of showers before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. South southeast wind around 5 mph.

Although it will likely be of little comfort to those wanting to go collect candy today, the weather is supposed to be sunny and warmer for the rest of the week. According to the NWS, Wednesday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Wednesday night is expected to mostly clear, with a low around 60. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday’s weather is predicted as sunny, with a high near 93. West southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Thursday night, mostly clear, with a low around 54. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday is supposed to be sunny, with a high near 83. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

On Friday night, the NWS tells us to expect mostly clear, with a low around 53. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

 Halloween tips from the sheriff

Stephens County Sheriff Will Holt has shared the following tips for a safe Halloween:

• Parents should examine candy before letting children eat them.
• Parents or other responsible adults should escort their children to and from houses, neighborhoods, and events.
• Parents should use this quality time to bond with their children.  Do not turn them loose into neighborhoods or at Halloween events.
• Carry flashlights with good batteries when walking at dusk and at night.
• Walk against the flow of traffic, staying out roadways.
• Make sure that costumes do not block a child’s peripheral vision, so they can see when crossing roads, etc.
• Make sure costumes are not too big or cumbersome, causing the child to trip or fall.
• Travel in small groups.
• Make sure enough adults are present to diligently keep an eye on all kids.
• Let other friends or family know which neighborhoods or events you are going to, in case a child gets separated.
• If separated, have a plan in place where the child knows where to go in order to meet back up with you.
• Make sure children are mature enough to know how to dial 911, and can give their full name, age, parents’ names, and location.

DPS safety suggestions

Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding parents, drivers and children to incorporate safety into their Halloween plans. Adults and kids can avoid a variety of potential dangers by adhering to basic safety practices and using extra caution in areas where trick-or-treaters will be celebrating.

“Trick-or-treaters of various ages will be out for Halloween, and drivers should exercise additional caution, especially watching for children who may suddenly dart into the roadway,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “To help avoid a needless tragedy, slow down, avoid distractions, and don’t drink and drive. If your celebration involves alcohol, always designate a sober driver or choose alternate transportation.”

DPS offers the following tips to keep in mind while driving during Halloween:

• Don’t drink and drive. (Designate a sober driver or take a cab.)
• Eliminate distractions, including the use of mobile devices.
• Slow down; and further reduce speeds in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.

When planning a trick-or-treat route, parents may visit the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry – which includes a mapping function – to check for offenders who may be living in their neighborhood at https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffenderRegistry/Search.

Parents can also check the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry for offenders in their neighborhood by downloading the free DPS mobile app for use on iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets. The app provides interactive and easy-to-use maps for searching registered sex offenders by location, name, route and proximity. To see a demonstration of how to search by route using the DPS app, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnsdpxA9Dbk. Individuals are reminded to report suspicious or criminal activity through the mobile app; at www.iwatchtx.org; or by calling 1-844-643-2251.

Make sure you have the most updated version of the app. The app is currently available for iPhone users on the Apple App Store (http://tinyurl.com/kj43lsr) and for Android users on Google Play (http://tinyurl.com/kda7ww8).

Texans can also stay safe by using these Halloween safety tips:

• Look both ways before crossing roadways, and always walk; don’t run.
• Cross the roadway at intersections and crosswalks.
• Travel in groups with adult supervision and in neighborhoods you are familiar with.
• Do not enter the cars or homes of strangers, and avoid homes with porch lights turned off.
• Make sure children know their home phone number and how to call 911 or their local emergency number in case they have an emergency or become lost.
• Take all treats home for an adult to inspect before eating anything, and never eat candy obtained without a wrapper.

Individuals should also follow these tips when selecting a costume:

• Avoid toy guns and knives – they could easily be mistaken for a real weapon.
• Wear costumes that are light in color or place reflective material on the costume, so drivers can see you.
• Avoid using masks, if possible, to allow for better visibility and peripheral vision.
• Carry a flashlight.